MLB Player News

Alexander will be a member of the Tigers' rotation going forward, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Alexander certainly earned the opportunity after striking out nine batters in a row (and 10 batters total) in a relief appearance Sunday. Eight of his MLB appearances thus far in his career have come as a starter, with nine coming in relief. He's allowed a .356 wOBA as a starter compared to a .287 mark out of the bullpen, though the gap between his 4.54 ERA as a starter and his 4.12 ERA as a reliever isn't particularly large.

Norris will pitch out of the bullpen going forward, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Norris' start to the season was delayed due to COVID-19, and he looked poor in his lone appearance, giving up two runs while allowing six baserunners and recording just five outs in a start against the Reds on Sunday. He's expected to be used in a piggyback role with Michael Fulmer for now, with Tyler Alexander taking his spot in the rotation.

Richards will fill a bullpen role during the Rays' weekend series against the Yankees, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Richards was recalled in place of Yonny Chirinos (triceps) on Thursday, but he evidently won't be filling Chirinos' rotation spot. The team's expected starters for Saturday's doubleheader are not yet known. Richards hasn't exactly earned a rotation spot given his performances to date, as he's allowed six runs on 10 hits in 5.1 innings across a pair of relief appearances.

Lopez was reinstated from the bereavement list Friday and was designated for assignment by the Royals.

Lopez made one appearance this season before being placed on the bereavement list July 31, and he won't end up rejoining the big-league club. The 27-year-old had a 6.33 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 109:42 K:BB over 123.2 innings last season.

Alvarado was placed on the paternity list Friday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Alvarado has allowed two runs on five hits with a 9:3 K:BB over 5.2 innings this season, but he'll step away from the team for the birth of his child. The 25-year-old will rejoin the club shortly after spending some time with his family.

Pruitt (elbow) was transferred to the 45-day injured list Friday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The 30-year-old landed on the 10-day injured list with right elbow inflammation at the start of the season and was shut down from throwing shortly thereafter. It remains unclear where Pruitt stands in his recovery, but he won't be seeing game action until at least September.

Phillips (1-1) was tagged with the loss Thursday against the Marlins after giving up two runs on two hits across one-plus inning.

Phillips entered the game to begin the sixth inning and, while he was able to record the three outs, the wheels came off in the seventh -- he left the game with runners on the corners and no outs. Both runners would come around to score, tagging the 25-year-old right-hander with his first loss of the season. He has now allowed five earned runs in 4.2 innings across four appearances in 2020.

Pressly (0-1) was charged with the loss and a blown save Thursday against the Diamondbacks, surrendering two runs on three hits and a walk without recording any outs.

Tasked with protecting a one-run lead in the ninth, Pressly did quite the opposite. The 31-year-old unraveled in his first save opportunity, loading up the bases and giving up a two-run, walk-off single to Kole Calhoun to end the disastrous outing. Pressly's track record would seem to make him an appealing closer option with Roberto Osuna (elbow) out, but he has dealt with elbow and thumb issues of his own lately, and Thursday's results suggest he may still not be right physically.

Pearson did not factor into the decision during Thursday's loss to the Braves, allowing three runs on two hits and three walks while striking out five over five innings.

Pearson found himself on the wrong side of the scoreboard after surrendering a first-inning, two-run home run to Freddie Freeman. Despite the early deficit, Pearson quickly settled down, allowing one final run on a sacrifice fly to Adam Duvall in the fourth. Pearson was excellent in his major-league debut against the Nationals last week, striking out five across five scoreless innings. The 23-year-old will take the mound again Wednesday for a showdown with the Marlins.

Hendriks allowed one hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning to earn the save Thursday against the Rangers.

Hendriks was called upon to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning. After allowing a single to Shin-Soo Choo to lead off the frame, he quickly rebounded to slam the door shut via a strikeout and double play to earn his fourth save. Hendriks has pitched well to open the campaign, striking out nine across 6.1 innings and allowing just one earned run. He's among the most secure options for saves around the league.